The BMW Concept Z4
The Redefinition of Roadster Experience
The Redefinition of Roadster Experience
Unleash Boundless Freedom
In the world of driving pleasure, the new BMW Concept Z4 emerges as a symbol of limitless freedom. Breaking away from conventional norms, this roadster creates a new dimension of openness, designed for the road with a captivating aesthetic that exudes strength and sportiness from every angle. It knows no boundaries, and with each journey, it invites drivers to embark on a new adventure of unrestricted driving pleasure.
VIBRANT IN EVERY COLOR
In this roadster, conventions have no place. The new BMW Concept Z4 abandons the status quo, elevating driving pleasure to a lifestyle statement. Its exterior is boldly showcased in the striking Energetic Orange shade, accentuating its muscular curves and making it the center of attention on any street. The flat, elongated front end and exceptional handling instantly convey a sense of enthusiasm and sporting ambition. This vehicle is ready to discover new paths on the asphalt, always with the same goal in mind: pure driving pleasure.
"The BMW Concept Z4: Absolute freedom on four wheels." Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design.
Independence
The new BMW Concept Z4 reveals itself as an open and wild roadster, exuding a strong character with its concise exterior and confident attitude. Every detail showcases its sportiness and thirst for freedom. The prominent air intakes at the front and the air diffusers on the hood beckon speed and the rush of wind. With their honeycomb structure and innovative mesh usage, the deep-set kidney grilles radiate athleticism. The new BMW Concept Z4 stands as a symbol of independence with its resolute form.
STEP INSIDE AND IGNITE
Inside the cabin of the new BMW Concept Z4, minimalism meets eccentricity. Nothing is excessive, nothing distracts from the pure driving experience. Everything is geared towards the driver and their connection to the road. The sport seats, with their contrasting dual-tone appearance, further emphasize this commitment. While the smooth black leather of the driver's seat exudes active sportiness, the orange nubuck leather of the passenger seat communicates the joy of the open road. The two leathers harmonize perfectly with the chrome elements present throughout the interior. The windowless design creates a dynamic and open sense of space, offering an unobstructed view of what truly matters: the road and new horizons.
The Library
A private iconic sports cars showroom
A Private Iconic Sports Cars Showroom
Photography and video by Dennis Lo.
The Project
Designed by the Paris and Hong Kong based multidisciplinary design studio A Work of Substance, a private showroom in Hong Kong showcases a valuable collection of sports cars and memorabilia. The owner, a discerning car collector, commissioned the studio to create a space that exudes a sense of retro-modern sophistication and relaxed charm, capturing the thrill of driving these iconic machines. The design takes inspiration from the aerodynamic and mechanical aspects of the vintage automobiles, resulting in a meticulously crafted space that combines modularity, mobility, and exquisite craftsmanship. The project, named "The Library," redefines the concept of a car showroom by transforming it into a refined and comfortable environment where the owner can enjoy his automotive treasures even when not actively driving.
The Lounge
The lounge is situated within a multistorey storage facility for supercars. The ground floor entrance area, designed in the same retro-modern aesthetic, creates a distinct ambiance reminiscent of James Bond's stylish den. In contrast, the building's car entrance and lobby area resemble an M16 secret bunker, featuring fluted cast-concrete walls, large concrete pavers, and imposing three-metre-diameter ceiling fans. The use of metal ceiling panels and stainless-steel car elevators enhances the high-tech atmosphere while captivating visitors with mesmerizing reflections. Additionally, an aluminium-clad security office, resembling the classic 1930s Airstream caravan, further contributes to the overall allure.
A timber-clad enclosure, mirroring the design of the fluted walls and security booth, houses an elegant lounge adorned with crisp wood panelling, hand-stitched leather armchairs, and bespoke displays showcasing books and motoring mementos.
Moving upstairs to the showroom/lounge, the interior design transitions into a warmer ambiance characterized by the prominent use of wooden surfaces. Hardwood floors, timber-clad ceilings, and modular wall panels that can accommodate shelving, cabinets, and folded seating contribute to this inviting atmosphere. The retro-modern design language, defined by smooth lines, sinuous forms, and mid-century-inspired furniture, mirrors the displayed motor collection. Among the showcased cars are highly coveted and exceptionally valuable models such as the 1973 Porsche Carrera RS 2.7, the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, regarded as one of the greatest Ferraris of all time, and the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL gull-winged coupé, hailed as a marvel of design and engineering and awarded the title of "sports car of the century" in 1999.
The interior design incorporates bespoke details inspired by automotive elements, paying homage to the cars' mechanical ingenuity while elevating the overall sophistication of the space. Lounge chairs celebrate the Ferrari Dino, cabinetry handles echo the door handles of a Zagato, and stools evoke the appearance of spark plugs. Motor references extend to the lighting fixtures, with spotlights resembling classic car head and tail lights, and lantern-like sconces featuring rotating gyroscopes for dimming. These meticulous details reflect the collector's deep passion for classic sports cars.
Photography and video by Dennis Lo.
When Jaguar meets Baracuta
Engine Vs Fashion
ENGINE Vs FASHION
Jaguar and Baracuta join forces and present "The Next Classic Guide
Car manufacturer Jaguar and jacket brand Baracuta are the inspirations for some of the most iconic and enduring designs in both automotive and fashion. The two great brands - founded in Coventry (1935) and Manchester (1937) respectively - are teaming up to produce a guide to future design classics, "The Next Classic Guide."
The two brands have created a Jaguar Baracuta E-PACE and a Jaguar G9 Baracuta jacket. These designs play a key role in the development of "The Next Classic Guide". This involves a host of respected influencers, bloggers, artists and content creators who traveled to the cultural heartland of the UK and various European cities in search of the new trends that will inspire the next generation.
The road trip began in London in October 2021 and ended in Italy in February 2022, after traveling through France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Austria and the Czech Republic. The campaign was launched by British content creator and brand consultant Samutaro, one of the most influential fashion curators of recent years. Samutaro discovered the result of the collaboration at Jaguar's product development center in Gaydon, Warwickshire. It was there that he met designer Anna Abell of the Jaguar team, who created the bespoke design for the Jaguar E-PACE using the classic G9 coat as inspiration.
The G9 touch
"The Jaguar x Baracuta E-PACE P300e plug-in hybrid has been given a special exterior color, 'Neutro'. The unique color scheme is made up of the same checkered fabric used by Baracuta for its G9 jacket, as well as for the door panel and trunk lining," says Anna Abell of the Jaguar team. "The Jaguar E-PACE features headrests embroidered with the Baracuta crest, a side window with the Baracuta logo and door lights that project the Baracuta crest onto the floor." The Baracuta G9 Jaguar jacket features the Jaguar logo on the sleeve and the special edition Jaguar x Baracuta logo on the inside. Design is key for both the Jaguar and Baracuta brands, "Both have created classics that have stood the test of time and remained relevant to ever-changing tastes and cultural trends. So it was great to bring these two brands together for a collaboration, after all, they've both often worked with some of the most iconic figures in history."
Design
What marks the identity of this jacket is paradoxically a part that is basically hidden: its lining. A tartan that Baracuta has been using since 1938, when the 24th Lord Lovat, the head of the Fraser clan, gave permission to use this pattern. It is therefore natural that it is still called a "Fraser tartan" today. And no matter what color or material is used to design a G9 jacket, that tartan is always present. As for the color of the G9, the more classic ones will be able to opt for a navy or dark navy color, the darker ones for black, and more generally each one will find in the palette of colors proposed the means to express its mood! For my part, I am in a green period and I fell for this color "Racing green".
Collaboration
In Belgium, "The Next Classic Guide" was produced in collaboration with photographer Jake Marcelo. In addition, fashion professionals Jean-Baptiste Fabbricatore and Pieterjan Van Biesen were the models for the video and photo shoot of the Jaguar E-PACE Baracuta.
www.jaguar.be
From one sea to another
Jaguar F-Type 75 Edition
Sublime Magazine was 48 hours behind the wheel of the Jaguar F-Type 75 Edition
It's a nice farewell tour that Jaguar has just organized in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. Almost 1,000 km between Sitges and San Sebastian at the wheel of the new F-Type 75 Edition. Enough to test the most beautiful roads of Catalonia, Aragon, Navarra and the Basque Country with more than 500 hp under the foot!
The British carmaker Jaguar is on the verge of a major revolution in its history. From 2025 onwards, well ahead of the schedule imposed by the European authorities, the manufacturer will only offer 100% electric products. This is a radical change of direction, especially in view of the current catalog, which still includes a majority of combustion engines, and not the least. We are thinking in particular of the powerful V8, codenamed "AJ133", a 5,000 cc direct injection supercharged block that delivers 450 or 575 hp under the hood of the F-Type. An exceptional engine that will disappear from Jaguar but will continue to be used for a few more years under the hoods of Land and Range Rover.
Rear-wheel drive or AWD
To mark the end of the F-Type's career, the feline brand is offering a new special series, simply called 75, in tribute to the 75 years of sports car production by the British manufacturer. As a reminder, the F-Type is available as a coupe and convertible. Launched in 2013, it underwent a facelift in 2019. The model is now offered with a four-cylinder of 300 hp in the entry level and a V8 declined in 450 or 575 hp. The special 75 series is only available with this eight-cylinder, with the letter R appearing to distinguish the most powerful model. The latter comes with all-wheel drive by default, while the "classic" 75 offers a choice between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
Two exclusive colors
Visually, the F-Type 75 is distinguished by a series of elements that are unique to it, starting with a new metallic color called Giola Green that suits the car particularly well. Other features include 20-inch wheels in gloss black, the Jaguar all-black logo on the front, and badges that represent the coupe's silhouette on the lower front fenders, door sills and top of the dashboard. Inside, the Windsor leather upholstery is very attractive and is available in black, cream, red and tobacco. Finally, for those who opt for the convertible, the soft top can be ordered in beige, red or black.
From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic
What could be more appropriate than open roads to put these two new cars to the test? And when the itinerary allows for the assault of twisting and turning roads, it's even better! Jaguar's teams invited a handful of journalists to test the F-Type 75 and F-Type R 75 on the asphalt of northern Spain. A grandiose route that started in Sitges, a posh seaside resort on the Mediterranean, and ended in San Sebastian, a coastal city on the Bay of Biscay, facing the Atlantic.
In between, mountain passes, natural parks, breathtaking landscapes and, above all, dozens of deserted roads in an unspoiled nature where we could appreciate all the qualities of the machine. This is especially true of the R and its all-wheel drive, which looks like a dragster in a tuxedo. It has to be said that the model inherited the running gear of the late F-Type SVR, a spirited machine that was always ready to make its rear end dance. A generous leg that, combined with exceptional mechanics, allows it to pulverize the 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds (4.6 seconds for the F-Type 75 with 450 HP)!
An ideal partner for grand touring at a civilized pace, the model also excels when pushed hard, even if you do without some of the electronics in a perfectly balanced Dynamic mode. This safety net, combined with the rear-wheel drive system, is never intrusive and allows you to have fun on demand without getting scared.
Playful pleasure
We had the most fun in the valleys of Navarra, along the winding local "rios". The muscular driving of our F-Type R 75 was more or less like a hill climb, mixing the roar of the engine with a series of well-controlled slides followed by strong acceleration. Thanks to the incisive front end and very direct steering, the driver is able to get the most out of the machine in complete safety. In addition, the 8-speed automatic transmission is perfectly managed, mixing smoothness and speed with superb skill. It's a daily treat that gives way to a certain bitterness when it's time to hand over the keys... Giving up such an endearing toy is always a heartbreaker. To buy this special series in Belgium, you will have to pay a minimum of €106,600 for the F-Type 75, and almost €30,000 more for the R 75. A supplement is applied for the convertible variants. Note that the four-cylinder Jaguar F-Type is still available in the catalog (but without this special series) from €72,900. The order books are already open.
Rudolf van der Ven
The ‘Supercars’ Photographer
The ‘Supercars’ Photographer
Supercars (Lannoo)
Dive into the exhilarating world of automotive excellence with "Supercars", an extraordinary coffee table book by Rudolf van der Ven. This captivating publication is a celebration of the world's most beautiful and iconic supercars, taking readers on a thrilling journey through automotive history and innovation.
From timeless legends like the Ferrari F40 to modern marvels such as the Bugatti Veyron, this premium photography book showcases 50 supercars from the 1970s to the present day, each accompanied by stunning visuals and their own captivating stories.
One car One Story
Within the pages of "Supercars," Rudolf van der Ven's exceptional photography transports readers to the realm of automotive dreams. Through his lens, each car is meticulously captured, revealing their breathtaking design, flawless curves, and intricate details. Van der Ven's keen eye for composition and ability to capture the essence of these extraordinary vehicles ensures that every image in the book is a work of art in itself.
More than just a collection of striking images, "Supercars" delves into the personal stories behind each supercar. Van der Ven goes beyond the surface, exploring the inspirations, engineering feats, and milestones that have made these cars legendary. From the iconic Ferrari Testarossa to the groundbreaking McLaren P1, readers will gain a deeper appreciation for the heritage and innovation that have shaped the supercar landscape.
This book is a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration for automotive enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you are a devoted fan of supercars or simply appreciate the intersection of art and engineering, "Supercars" offers a comprehensive look into the evolution of these automotive marvels. Immerse yourself in the rich history, remarkable design, and unparalleled performance of these exceptional machines. As a must-have addition to any car enthusiast's shelf, "Supercars" is meticulously crafted with premium materials and exquisite attention to detail. The high-quality printing ensures that every photograph retains its brilliance and captures the essence of each supercar. The book's elegant design and carefully curated layout provide a seamless reading experience, allowing readers to effortlessly navigate through the captivating stories and stunning visuals.
Whether you wish to embark on a visual journey through the world of supercars or seek to expand your knowledge of automotive history, "Supercars" by Rudolf van der Ven is an indispensable companion. With its unparalleled photography, captivating narratives, and meticulous craftsmanship, this book truly captures the essence of automotive passion and serves as a timeless tribute to the extraordinary supercars that have forever shaped the industry.
Photographe : Rudolf van der Ven